UO football: Kelly sticks by Masoli

Thomas Boyd / The OregonianJeremiah Masoli finished 4 of 16 for 95 yards and an interception.
Oregon coach Chip Kelly said Sunday the status of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has not changed.

Masoli struggled in Saturday's 31-24 win over Utah, going the entire second half without a completion. He finished 4 of 16 for 95 yards and an interception. He completed one pass to Jeff Maehl for 58 yards, another to Jamere Holland for 27 and gained a total of 10 yards on his other 14 throws.

He was an effective runner, though. Masoli, who entered the game as Oregon's leading rusher (98 yards in two games) had a 22-yard touchdown run, set up by his own 12-yard run.

"It's inconsistent,'' Kelly said of his quarterback play. "It's back to work (Monday) morning and get back at it.''

Asked if there would be quarterback competition in practice this week, Kelly replied, "We have a quarterback competition every week.''

Asked if Nate Costa has a shot at working up to the No. 1 team this week, he said, "Nate has a shot to work up to No. 1 every week.''

Costa was the starting quarterback in fall camp last season before suffering his third major knee injury.

"The reason I stayed with Jeremiah in that game is because he's our quarterback, and he gives us the best chance to win,'' Kelly said.

Not in the Hall of Average: Kelly said he believes LaMichael James is "capable of being even better'' than he was on Saturday, a career day - 152 yards on 27 carries - for the redshirt freshman.

"But it's only one game,'' Kelly said. "Let's not put him in the Hall of Fame yet.''

Not only was it the first time an Oregon runner had surpassed 100 yards this season, but it easily beat the total for all Oregon running backs (130 yards) combined in the first two games of the season.

Last season, an Oregon rusher had at least 85 yards in every game except one (against USC).

Poll results: Despite the win over No. 18 Utah, the Ducks didn't crack the Associated Press Top 25 or the coaches' poll. In order of "others receiving votes,'' Oregon ranked 32nd in the AP poll and 34th in the coaches' poll.

Fourth down strategy: Kelly went for it twice on fourth down in the second quarter Saturday. On one, Masoli appeared to be headed for a 57-yard touchdown run if not for a false start penalty; on the other, from the Utah 40-yard-line, Masoli threw incomplete to tight end David Paulson.

"When you look at it, it's a chance to get a first down to continue a drive or are you going to put your defense on the field in that position,'' Kelly said. "And the way our defense was playing, I had no problems putting them on the field in that position.''

Injury report: Neither safety T.J. Ward nor receiver Rory Cavaille is cleared for contact for Monday, but there were no new injuries incurred Saturday that will keep a player out of contact drills Monday, Kelly said.

Catching the coach's eye: Lavasier Tuinei "was our best overall blocker on the perimeter,'' Kelly said, but the lanky receiver still is looking for his first catch at Oregon.

The Ducks' reliance on the two tight-end set, with Paulson inside and Ed Dickson outside, means few opportunities for the third and fourth receivers, Tuinei and D.J. Davis.

Beating the home team: Perhaps no Oregon player enjoyed the win more than senior defensive end and Salt Lake City native Will Tukuafu.

"I'm not excited to read my text messages and hear my voicemails right now,'' Tukuafu said.But he was excited that his mother watched at home.

"I love my mom and I'm excited for her and this 'W' '' Tukuafu said. "I'll go into the locker room, give her a call and thank her for everything she's done for me.''[eot]